rotavirus
noun
ro·ta·vi·rus
ˈrō-tə-ˌvī-rəs 
plural rotaviruses
: any of a genus (Rotavirus) of reoviruses that have a three-layered protein capsid with no outer lipid envelope when mature and that include one (Rotavirus alphagastroenteritidis) causing epidemics of severe and sometimes fatal diarrhea in infants and young children
Examples of rotavirus in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Federal officials then reduced the number of vaccines recommended for children, no longer broadly recommending flu, rotavirus, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, some forms of meningitis and RSV.
—
Joseph States, Chicago Tribune, 8 May 2026
The new schedule advises delaying the hepatitis B vaccine and no longer universally endorses vaccines against meningitis, hepatitis A, respiratory syncytial virus, rotavirus, COVID-19 and influenza.
—Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2026
There are two rotavirus vaccines – Rotateq (a three-dose series) and Rotarix (a two-dose series).
—Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 23 Apr. 2026
In January 2026, the Department of Health and Human Services shifted rotavirus vaccination from a universal recommendation to a decision to be made by families and their health care providers.
—Annette Regan, The Conversation, 22 Apr. 2026
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Joseph States, Chicago Tribune, 8 May 2026
The new schedule advises delaying the hepatitis B vaccine and no longer universally endorses vaccines against meningitis, hepatitis A, respiratory syncytial virus, rotavirus, COVID-19 and influenza.
—Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2026
There are two rotavirus vaccines – Rotateq (a three-dose series) and Rotarix (a two-dose series).
—Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 23 Apr. 2026
In January 2026, the Department of Health and Human Services shifted rotavirus vaccination from a universal recommendation to a decision to be made by families and their health care providers.
—Annette Regan, The Conversation, 22 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rotavirus
Cite this Entry
“Rotavirus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rotavirus. Accessed 15 May. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
rotavirus
noun
ro·ta·vi·rus
ˈrōt-ə-ˌvī-rəs
1
Rotavirus
: a genus of reoviruses that are causative agents of gastroenteritis and that include one (Rotavirus alphagastroenteritidis) causing epidemics of severe and sometimes fatal diarrhea in infants and young children
Note: Viruses of the genus Rotavirus have a virion with a three-layered protein capsid lacking an outer lipid envelope when mature and a core of 11 discrete segments of double-stranded RNA.
2
: any virus of the genus Rotavirus
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